"Hats off to Hardik Pandya"- Rohit Sharma makes Mumbai crowd go insane after Hardik Pandya

Published - 05 Jul 2024, 10:38 AM | Updated - 05 Jul 2024, 10:58 AM

Rohit Sharma kisses Hardik Pandya
Rohit Sharma kisses Hardik Pandya (Image Credits: Twitter)

Team India captain Rohit Sharma lauded all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his exceptional performance in the final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa. Rohit Sharma highlighted how Hardik Pandya handled immense pressure while bowling the last over of the summit clash of the ICC event.

The Men in Blue registered a seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados on June 29. The Indian team ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. It was India's second T20 World Cup title after the inaugural edition in South Africa in 2007.

South Africa were in a winning position at one stage, needing 30 runs off 30 balls. Hardik Pandya changed the match momentum in India's favor by dismissing Heinrich Klaasen on the first ball of the 17th over. He successfully defended 16 runs off the final over and picked up two wickets, including David Miller.

There Is Always So Much Pressure To Bowl - Rohit Sharma

During the felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium following the bus parade, Rohit Sharma praised Hardik Pandya for his outstanding performance in the last over of the final match. He acknowledged the immense pressure Pandya faced while bowling the crucial over, regardless of the required runs.

"Hardik was bowling the final over for us. Hats off to him for bowling that last over. You know, no matter how many runs you need, there is always so much pressure to bowl that over. But hats off to him," said Rohit during the event.

Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in both batting and bowling during the tournament. He scored 144 runs in 8 games at an average of 48 and a strike rate over 150. The right-arm pacer took 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.64. He became the first Indian man to reach No. 1 in the ICC all-rounder rankings.

This Trophy Is For The Entire Nation - Rohit Sharma

The 37-year-old acknowledged that Indian fans had waited 11 years to see their team win another ICC trophy. Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support and dedicated the trophy to all the fans and players who represented the country.

"This trophy is for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans, who have waited for 11 years," said Rohit.

"Mumbai never disappoints. We got a solid reception. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank the fans. I am very, very happy and relieved," Rohit said during the event," he concluded.

The Mumbai cricketer retired from T20 international cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is the leading run-getter in the T20I format, with 4231 runs in 159 matches. He holds the record for the most centuries in T20is. Rohit has been part of two T20 World Cup-winning teams.

Also read: "Jasprit Bumrah would still have won, not sure about Virat Kohli" - Ex-KKR Team Director

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Hardik Pandya Rohit Sharma India National Cricket Team ICC T20 World Cup